boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

[elhewman]

Long story short, I damaged my boat by trying to land on a beach that was surfier than anticipated in SE alaska and it sustained considerable damage. The boat is a 1992 bay runner Baja and though it still looks nice at first glance, an examination under the hull tells another story. Basically the entire keel is dented along the whole length of the boat and it caused the keel plate to tear away in several places, secondly, there is a volley ball sized dent 3 ft before the transom and 2 other small penetrating gashes about 2-3 inches long exist as well. Lastly, the bottom of the transom is indented an inch deep and 3 inches wide. My Grandpa gave me a killer deal on this boat so it retains some sentimental value. But in reality, if it is not fixable than its time to save money for a year or two and sell my motor. Unless 3000.00 could replace this boat, I would rather repair it within that budget or scrap it altogether. I'm keeping the motor.

Computer does not want me uploading pics for some reason so I hope my description suffices.

Thank you

 

[elhewman]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Welcome to the Iboats drydock...

Sorry to hear about the damage.

The real "Tin-Masters" will probably jump in soon, so hang in there...

As far as posting pics...here's a link to help out... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=410147

I would like to ask, did the damage cause any leaks?

If not, maybe use it till you can save up the dough for another hull...although I have heard that aluminum can be beat back into shape by careful and proper application of heat and force, and a good welder can repair most damage...but again, I know next to nothing 'bout 'lumnum...:redface:

Best of Luck,
GT1M

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Get it welded and you will be able to pass that along to your grandchildren (if you are careful with it).

I do not see anything that would "total" that hull

 

[jasoutside]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

I am absolutely with bob there - I don't see a thing that would make me want to scrap that boat. I do see war wounds

Any alum welder worth his salt have have that fixed up in a jif

Welcome to iboats

 

[catfishr1]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Sorry to hear & see your damage. Know that sicking feeling all too well. These guys on this forum are the greatest. Pay attention to their advice & they will get you thru it.

 

[elhewman]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

. Well, my battery died in the camera so I will try to post pictures of the bottoms damage. I must admit that the two photos provided earlier do not do service to the damage, as I took a second examination, a three inch section of the keel turned to hamburger and definitely would leak. That said, you are making me think there is hope. If I could just fix the hull up to make it last a few years and still be safe, I would be pretty happy. I might go back later today and get more photos of the heavy damage.

Thank you so much for your insight. This is a good forum!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Oh man, that boat must be saved!

 

[elhewman]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.



Here is some more detailed views of the damage. As stated before I would like to make this safe and functional again. I really only want to spend about 2-3 grand. I these pics will do justice more than the last.

Thanks again guys!

 

[Teamster]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

I still don't see anything that can't be fixed,...

Your best bet is to take it to a good welding shop and see what they think and get a quote,...

Your in Alaska, I'm sure there has to be someone qualified to fix your boat,..........

 

[elhewman]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Yes, Thanks. I am moving to Washington in 5 days so if a few people think its worthy to fix then I will ship it, and shop for specialty welder there.
I also got a quote from a guy here in AK and he said 3000.00 just to fix the one hole/dent(middle pic, last post). I thought that was outrageous, and hope I am right. I will check on another welder before I go. Perhaps, I'll see if I can send these photos and a video to aluminum boat welders in WA as well.Thanks.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPZTDbnt4WY&feature=youtu.be

 

[ondarvr]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

What is it going to cost you to ship it to WA, I can easily see it not being worth the cost of fixing and shipping.

 

[oldsub86]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

I don't remember seeing any reference to insurance. Is the boat insured? If so, time to make a claim.

Who built it? Are they still around? Do they still build a similar boat?
Some of the keel pieces might be best replaced by the folks who built it.

Randy

 

[elhewman]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Always have insurance on your boat. NO I did not have insurance:facepalm:. Anyway, the movers are charging a hefty some of money so anything I can safely put on the boat and take with me would take the cost of shipping down. I am pretty sure I could even out so we would lose little or no money in the move.
I think I am going to go for fixing this guy. There is some stuff I can do myself (though it will be ugly) and I am sure I can find a decent honest welder to work with me and make this boat functional again.

Thank you all for your advice and time! I will be sure to take it slow in testing the boat out again. I'll start with lakes and the wake from other boaters, and then advance from there.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Yah, I am still absolutely thinking this is repairable. Some of that stuff you may not even need to touch (some of the keel damage as an example).

That looks like a great boat, she needs to be in the water again

 

[ezmobee]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

Those additional pics look pretty bad and I'm definitely leaning toward scrapping it.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

I'm definitely leaning toward scrapping it.

What did you say?

 

[94track]

Re: boating accident damage on aluminum hull...repair or scrap.

I say go for it!! I think you will get alot more for your money on repairs in the Seattle area. That is really nice boat! Good luck,Bill